Women's Health

Moms know best when it comes to health

What makes your bones strong? Calcium, right? Of course — most everyone knows calcium is an essential mineral for bone health. So it's easy to see why moms have always been on the milk wagon. But, did you ever wonder why mom pestered you to eat your veggies — especially the green ones? Perhaps she knew the mineral magnesium found in them also helps keep bones strong.

Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including those that help maintain muscle and nerve function, a steady heart rhythm, and a healthy immune system. And about 50 percent of total body magnesium is found in bones. Magnesium also helps regulate blood sugar levels, promotes normal blood pressure and is involved in energy metabolism. On average, women 31 years and older need 320 milligrams of magnesium a day.

So, what kinds of foods should you eat to make sure you're getting enough of this important mineral? At the top of the list is dark green, leafy vegetables, such as spinach, beet greens, and collard greens. Tomato products, nuts, wheat bran, raisins, and soybeans also are good sources. Working a combination of these into a well-balanced diet should give you all the magnesium your body needs.

For an extra boost of magnesium, try organicgirl SUPERGREENS! This nutritious salad is chock full of five superfood baby greens: red and green Swiss chard, tatsoi, spinach, and arugula. Pick some up on your next trip to Publix.

Source: National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements